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Holding companies accountable for dangerous drugs

More Americans than ever ― roughly 7 out of 10 ― take at least one prescription medication, and more than half take at least two. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves new drugs every year designed to treat almost every medical condition imaginable.

Many of these medications improve the quality of people’s lives. But the rush to develop new drugs, fueled by record-breaking corporate profits, has come at a tragic cost to thousands of consumers. The truth is that not all medications are safe and effective. In fact, some dangerous drugs are prescribed “off-label” or for uses other than what the FDA originally approved.

When drug manufacturers put profits before consumer safety, our attorneys are prepared to hold them accountable. We will deliver full and fair compensation to you and your family for the harm done.

Call 207-784-3576 for a free consultation.

For the best results with dangerous drug lawsuits, you need the best Maine legal team

Berman & Simmons has been representing plaintiffs in personal injury, medical malpractice, and other serious injury cases for more than 100 years. We are recognized as the best personal injury and medical malpractice law firm in Maine and among the best in the U.S. We have obtained several of the largest jury verdicts in Maine history, and many of the largest settlements for our clients.

We have the experience and resources to stand up to the largest companies and to maximize your recovery.

Call 207-784-3576for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win by settlement or jury verdict.

How to find out if you have a valid dangerous drug claim

There are known health risks and adverse side effects with many medications, and some are the source of ongoing lawsuits in courts around the country. If you have been harmed by one of these or other dangerous drugs, you may have a claim.

Xarelto. Approved by the FDA in 2011, Xarelto is a blood thinner used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots, especially in people with atrial fibrillation. Some users have experienced uncontrollable bleeding, thromboembolism (obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot), and other complications.

Zofran. This drug is approved to treat nausea and vomiting, but has been prescribed off-label to help alleviate morning sickness in expectant mothers. Zofran has been linked to heart defects, club feet, and mouth deformities including cleft palates in newborns.

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics. These antibiotic medications are commonly prescribed to treat a wide range of illnesses, such as respiratory and urinary tract infections. However, they are known to cause permanent peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, two recent studies published by respected medical journals have linked taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics to aortic dissection or aneurysm. These medications include Cipro, Levaquin, and Avelox.

Onglyza. This new type 2 diabetes drug has come under scrutiny after a FDA advisory committee voted to warn patients about the potential increased risk of heart failure. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) revealed that patients taking saxagliptin (marketed as Onglyza) had a 27% increase in the rate of hospitalization for heart failure.

The first step in determining whether or not you have a valid claim is a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We will conduct a thorough review of your medical records and answer any questions you might have. There are strict statutes of limitations in dangerous drug cases, so it’s important to get in touch with us as soon as possible if you believe you have a claim.

Why are some medications dangerous?

There are a number of reasons why medications can be dangerous, including:

Drug companies sometimes fail to conduct the studies needed to identify risks that emerge after approval.

Failure by a drug manufacturer to properly warn the medical community and consumers about risks.

Marketing of a medication for uses not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

More than 30 dangerous drugs have been approved and later taken off the market because of serious health risks since the 1970’s. These drugs have killed or seriously injured thousands of Americans. Dozens of other dangerous drugs remain available. Some of them come with warnings from the FDA, but those warnings are not always clear or well communicated.

All of these failures come back to the basic principle of accountability. Drug manufacturers can and should be held legally accountable if they put consumers at risk.

What compensation can I receive if I was harmed by a dangerous drug?

Under state and federal law, victims of dangerous medical devices have the right to recover financial damages for various categories of loss, including:

Bangor

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Berman & Simmons has the experience, expertise, and resources to win your case

Berman & Simmons is the leading personal injury and medical malpractice law firm in Maine. For more than 100 years, our trial attorneys have represented those who have been injured or harmed by the actions of others. These personal injury cases range from car and truck accidents to the most complex litigation involving defective products and malpractice by healthcare providers. We are known as the firm that will stand up and fight for injured Mainers in disputes against big corporations and powerful interests.